Secrets St James/Wild Orchid Weddings 2012/2013

[LisaJoy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jennkn87 

Does anyone know who the resort photographer is? I am trying to decide if I want to hire an outside photographer or not! 

 

From past brides, I would not suggest a resort photographer. They only shoot for one hour and from what I was told, the photos are equivalent to handing a family member a quality camera. Just what I heard. We used WPA Jamaica and LOVE our photos. You can check them out in my profile album. It was worth the money, to us.

[LisaJoy]

Also, there really in no difference between St. James and Wild Orchid other than: - St James is the party side. WO offers a private beach for Preferred Club members. Very nice and quiet. We hung out mostly at the SJ pool area while family was there. They stayed at SJ. Once they left, we hung out in the WO beach area. - WO has newer rooms. Contemporary and SUPER close to all restaurants. In my opinion, WO will always be my preference. HOWEVER, if you are looking to watch the $$$, then SJ is completely fine!! The resort is not as large as one may imagine with two names. It really is in close proximity.

[chekirv]

Quote:

Originally Posted by layceelee 
 

Hi how are you!  I am getting married at Secrets Wild Orchid November 20, 2013, we leave in about 3 weeks.. YAYY!  There packages are pretty firm.  You can't taken anything away you can add to them however.  They will send you an extras list and you pick and choose from there.  We have 31 people going including my fiancee and myself.  We got the free wedding package and we adding on from there. It saved us a ton of money.  There other packages are a little pricey.  We decided not to do a private reception just for the mere fact that we as well as all our guests paid to eat and drink there in the price we paid to go. So we will be eating at one of the restaurants at the resort and then going to the bars to celebrate as our reception.  I had all our bridesmaids flowers, my bouquet, and the bouts all made by a florist I know where we live.  That way you can bring your flowers home and it saves you a ton of money if you have a large wedding party.  If you have any other questions feel free to ask away!  Congrats and good luck on your planning !

 

I am getting married in April 2014 (sunset ceremony at 5:30pm) and have also picked the free wedding package with the idea of eating together at one of the restaurants afterwards. Me and my FI didn't like the idea of paying $3K for food and drink especially when it was free...and our opting to have the bonfire on the beach that evening from 8-10pm. One question however, do you think you and your guests will be able to sit together in the restaurants together? I am only worried because I hear they will not reserve tables. Have you heard the same thing??

[chekirv]

I think the resort photographer/videographer is AquaSun Jamaica. I have looked at the website and the video and pictures are subpar in my opinion. I would definitely go with an outside photographer. We are using Sungold. They seem to have pretty decent packages.

[muneera0302]

previous brides, does anyone have a schedule for a 4pm wedding? i'm trying to find a schedule so we can give to the dj, so he knows what's going on at what time.

[SWOK]

Quote:

Originally Posted by muneera0302 
 

previous brides, does anyone have a schedule for a 4pm wedding? i'm trying to find a schedule so we can give to the dj, so he knows what's going on at what time.

i just got mine. 4 pm ceremony

430-530 cocktail hr

530-830 reception

[muneera0302]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWOK 
 

i just got mine. 4 pm ceremony

430-530 cocktail hr

530-830 reception

thanks. is that all you used? i've seen other brides use a detailed hour by hour timeline, so the dj knows when everything is going on (like toast, dance, etc). how did your timeline for everything work out for you? is there anythign you would have added or changed? sorry for all the ?'s, i'm a month away so def trying to get everything done :-)

[Jennkn87]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWOK 
 

i just got mine. 4 pm ceremony

430-530 cocktail hr

530-830 reception

How many people do you have attending your ceremony and reception? How much extra did you pay for the 3 hour reception?? I am now looking at possibly having more guests at the ceremony than I had originally planned. I see they charge an extra $80 per person you have over the 20 included in the wedding package. I was just looking for some more details on how to approach having the extra people, and approximately how much more it could end up costing. Thanks and sorry if I've already asked you these questions! I can't remember who all I've previously talked to on here these last few months! 

[krisf1986]

There is no extra cost for the reception. Its included! Thats why they charge 80 pp. 3 hours is included however if you want long there is an extra cost.

[Jennkn87]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krisf1986 

There is no extra cost for the reception. Its included! Thats why they charge 80 pp. 3 hours is included however if you want long there is an extra cost.

so, if we have an extra 20 people, and pay the $80.00 per person, the reception will no matter what be 3 hours long? Thats awesome!!!!! Great news!